Beginning this fall, Kentucky Wesleyan College will offer a four-year graduation guarantee and a three-year degree option to incoming freshmen.

The graduation guarantee offers to pay for up to one year of additional coursework for committed students who don't complete their degree in four years.

"It's not uncommon for students to take five, even six or more years to finish their degree," said Rashad Smith, KWC's director of admissions, "but this pledge creates a personal commitment between the student and the college from the moment they arrive. If they need help, we're here for them. If they need more time, we cover those costs."

The guarantee was designed to foster lasting relationships early on in a student's collegiate experience, Smith said.

"We can begin working with them right away to meet every need, whether that includes an internship, study abroad or athletics," he said. "Those things are important to students. They want to be involved, and we want that for them. They deserve the full college experience without fear of an extra semester worth of costs."

Paula Dehn, vice president for academic affairs, said the three-year program should appeal to students in a hurry.

"It's a great program for someone who's really motivated and wants to get in and get out," she said.

Students must sign up in advance. The year-round program requires a 3.0 high school GPA and a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1050.

Summer courses will consist mostly of core academic work in English, math, science, history or foreign languages — all conducted online.

"So say the student is from out of town, and they want to go home for the summer," Smith said. "This way, they still can."